REDMOND, OR -- Even the Transportation Security Administration isn’t immune to hiring challenges. The TSA’s Lorie Dankers says there are enough security screeners at the Redmond Airport for what’s expected to be a record-breaking summer travel season, but only because they have outside help, "We are using those National Deployment Officers in Oregon to supplement our local staffing. So, what we would like to do is hire people who live in Oregon to work in our airports in Oregon."

Dankers tells KBND News the agency is offering up to $1,000 as a signing bonus and other incentives to attract new workers, "Every job here, because it is a federal job, comes with full federal benefits. And what that means is, whether you’re a part-time or a full-time employee, you’re going to have federal health benefits, you’re going to have a 401K, as well as a pension plan." She adds, "The jobs here are local, they’re flexible, in terms of the times and days you work. And our starting wage is $18.59 per hour." She says some hesitate to apply because they think the job entails close interaction with people, "We use a lot of technology to screen travelers, to screen their belongings. And the vast majority of travelers never have any physical contact with the TSA; so, that’s something to keep in mind."

WorkSource Oregon will help applicants get through what can be a complicated process at two sessions: June 15 at the WorkSource Bend office (1645 NE Forbes Rd. #100), and June 21 at WorkSource Redmond (2158 SE College Lp, Suite B). Both sessions are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"This is a federal job, to be a TSA officer here in Redmond," says Dankers, "So, completing the application, completing the paperwork is important, and making sure it’s accurate is also important." For more information, visit jobs.tsa.gov/TSO, or text "RDM" to 95495.